The Originals – “The Battle of New Orleans” Review. Biting Off More Than You Can Chew.

Season 1, Episode 21

Air Date: Thursday, May 6, 2014, 8/7c on The CW

RATING: ★★★★★

“In wanting to take the city, you’ve lost everything.” – Genevieve

I love this episode. I wasn’t sure what to expect with “The Battle of New Orleans,” but The Originals shows us what it’s made of. Who would have guessed a major throw-down could revolve around Hayley (Phoebe Tonkin) and her unborn baby?

Rings? What Rings?

I didn’t think Francesca was a threat. Boy, was I wrong.

“OK, exercise extreme caution in this general area; bit of a mess.” Klaus (Joseph Morgan) makes light of a heavy situation. It always makes me wonder why anyone thinks they can kill an Original vampire. It simply cannot be done, unless you have a particular white oak stake. The vampires, werewolves, and witches seem to forget this little tidbit whenever they seek to exact revenge against the ultimate hybrid. Their attempts at one-upping Klaus certainly make for great TV but I don’t know why they haven’t realized Klaus is the real deal. Not only that, Elijah (Daniel Gillies) can hold his own, in a damn tailored suit no less. Is anyone else amazed by the power held by the Original siblings? So yeah, Klaus’ plans don’t always come to fruition but he has a good time executing them. How will he handle the way the game has changed? And better yet, who will be the new rulers of New Orleans?

Random Tidbits:

When will Marcel (Charles Michael Davis) learn his lesson? “I know what some of ya’ll are thinking: we went against Klaus before and we failed.” You don’t go against your parent. Klaus is the only real father Marcel has ever known, yet the two argue like brothers. There should be more respect and love between them when it comes to handling delicate matters like a power struggle. I still enjoy Davis and Morgan’s chemistry on screen together. The two are combustible and bring unrelenting life to Marcel and Klaus. I really want to see this maker/progeny duo get back to good. The fighting has to end at some point.

Genevieve (guest star Elyse Levesque) better watch her back. She will reap some crazy vengeance juju twentyfold with all the backstabbing and double-crossing she’s doing. And all to save a life—her life—that isn’t even supposed to be. She’s living on borrowed time; the writers are using her to her fullest extent. I never know what Genevieve will do or if she’s trustworthy. Levesque brings a seductive sweetness to her character and I think she does Genevieve justice.

King no more. What will Marcel do with the time he has left?

Cami (Leah Pipes) goes on a treasure hunt and learns a big secret. So why doesn’t anyone answer her calls? You think Cami is important to the supernatural beings in New Orleans because they pull her into their messes. I’m a bit disappointed with the way she’s being treated and can’t imagine what would have happened had Cami’s phone calls been answered. In a moment of great suspense, the writers take Cami’s uselessness and make her dramatic entrance onto the battlegrounds as the bearer of news too late to be of any use. At least Cami isn’t being swept under the rug and Pipes is able to continue gracing us with her presence. I’m looking forward to seeing how far her character can be pushed before reaching her breaking point.

Is anyone else excited to see Mikael (Sebastian Roche)? I wasn’t expecting the disintegrating of the “other side” on The Vampire Diaries to make it all the way to The Originals. This will definitely bring about interesting events with Mikael trying to find his way back from the never-never.

Seriously, Elijah kicks major ass in a suit without breaking a sweat. His hair remains unruffled, suit unwrinkled, and all with a calmly asked, “Gentleman, shall we?” I’m overwhelmed with his fearlessness. I wouldn’t mind if Elijah has his own show. I’d watch it religiously. Don’t act like you wouldn’t too.

Memorable lines:

“Hey, look, if Marcel’s got a plan, maybe Klaus will buy a clue, realize he’s a negative on the popularity chart, and go into vampire retirement. I hear Palm Springs is nice.”

Josh (Steven Kreuger) tries to make Davina (Danielle Campbell) comfortable with her decision to help Marcel.

Klaus reminds us how scary he can be with this parting line to Davina: “The next time I ask a question, answer it quicker.”

Hayley: “Oh, come on, Elijah, for once in your immortal life can you just not be so noble.”

Elijah: “What would you have me do?”

Hayley: “I just told you that I’m betrothed according to some backwoods arrangement by people that I never knew. Tell me that you think betrothals are stupid; tell me that I have a choice…”

(Insert major swoon moment because yes, that kiss is romantic.)

Elijah: “You will always have a choice.”

Hayley wants Elijah to stake his claim and doesn’t mince words with him. I think his silencing kiss tells her all she needs to know.

Final Thoughts:

The man remains unruffled in the midst of kicking ass. Tell me Elijah isn’t the truth!

With all the positives comes one negative: how in the world can werewolves hunt vampires, catch up to them, and overpower them? Did I miss something? Are these werewolves jacked up on super venom or something? Hello, vamp super speed! One minor inconsistency in a sea of awesomeness doesn’t ruin “The Battle of New Orleans.” Next week’s finale will certainly be a catch-22 for me. I can’t wait to see it but I don’t want the season to end. Drop me a line in the comments below if you want to chat about “The Battle of New Orleans,” or hit me up on Twitter @ellemoe with your thoughts. I’d love to know what you think about the disintegration of purgatory and what that means for all supernaturals.

Tune in to the season finale of The Originals, Tuesday, May 13 at 8/7c, only on The CW. For more on the show, visit the official site.

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Writer, mother, realist, cloud lover, daydreamer, dessert enthusiast, sweet tea addict, perfectionist, and lover of life and Christ, but not in that order. http://www.fanfiction.net/~vikingloverelle